Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Fernando Mendoza


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
19.0 11.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Geno Smith News

Geno Smith Opens 2026 as a Superflex-Only Option

Saturday, September 12, 7:44 AM

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith begins his second stint with the franchise in Sunday's road opener against Tennessee. Smith is coming off a rough 2025 season with Las Vegas, where he threw for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in 15 starts while taking 55 sacks. New offensive coordinator Frank Reich and a healthy Garrett Wilson give him a better setup, but Tennessee's front can make his first start uncomfortable. Jeffery Simmons is coming off an 11-sack season, and the Titans recorded 42 sacks as a team in 2025. Smith also offers little rushing production to protect his fantasy floor after finishing last season without a rushing touchdown. RotoBaller has him at QB30 for Week 1. He should stay out of single-quarterback lineups and is best treated as a lower-end QB2 in Superflex formats.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Fernando Mendoza News

Fernando Mendoza Confirmed as Raiders' QB2

Friday, September 11, 11:54 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza will officially back up Kirk Cousins in Sunday's opener against Miami, head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Friday, according to Sam Gordon. The Raiders' depth chart had already pointed in that direction, listing Mendoza second and Aidan O'Connell third, but Kubiak had stopped short of confirming the order earlier this week. Now there is no question who gets the call if Cousins has to leave the game. Mendoza had an uneven preseason, completing 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions across three appearances. That was enough for the No. 1 overall pick to secure the backup spot while Las Vegas continues bringing him along behind its veteran starter. Nothing changes for Mendoza in standard redraft leagues, where he belongs on the waiver wire for now. He is much more interesting in dynasty and deeper Superflex formats, particularly with a clear path to the field if Cousins struggles or misses time.


Geno Smith vs. Fernando Mendoza

Still trying to decide between Smith and Mendoza? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Geno Smith is projected to score 19.0 points this week while Fernando Mendoza is projected to score 0.0 points.